Report: Billy Napier emerges as top candidate for Florida job

Louisiana coach Billy Napier has emerged as the lead candidate for the head coaching job at Florida, sources told Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger and Pat Forde.

Napier will still coach the Ragin' Cajuns in the Sun Belt championship game next weekend if he finalizes a deal with the Gators.

The 42-year-old sideline boss has put together a 38-12 record through four campaigns at Louisiana. Napier's squad enters the final week of the regular season with a 10-1 record.

The Tennessee native agreed to a new contract over the summer that increased his salary by $2 million and provided a $2.5 million salary pool for his assistant coaches.

Napier possesses SEC experience from his time as Alabama's wide receiver coach from 2013-16. He has also worked as an assistant for Clemson, Florida State, Colorado State, and Arizona State.

Florida is looking for a new coach after parting ways with Dan Mullen following the team’s loss to Missouri last weekend. The Gators (5-6) entered Saturday needing a win over Florida State to become bowl eligible.